No one questions the bravery of Fairview Chief Anthony LoGiudice, or the difficulties and dangers that firefighters face daily in their jobs.

There is, however, no place and no reason for the use of anti-Semitic epithets or the use of any ethnically, religiously or racially charged language in the workplace. Mr. LoGiudice, by his words, has given permission for a number of commenters to vent similar words of hatred and prejudice.

Did Mr. LoGiudice think that anyone would connect his remarks with the Holocaust deniers? We think not. Mr. LoGiudice must understand that his actions do matter, his words are heard, and especially as an adult in a position of authority he must hold himself to an even higher level of moral and ethical behavior.

The statement issued by the Fairview Board of Fire Commissioners on March 27 states "... the words do not reflect Chief LoGiudice's true feelings. The words were spoken in an angry moment when (Greenburgh) Supv. Paul Feiner and the chief were at odds over political issues ... Chief LoGiudice inappropriately used words which do not — and never did — reflect his true beliefs of compassion and respect for people of all religions."

Can we set the bar any lower for decency and respect? Does this mean that the board excuses the expletive, followed by "Jew bastard," because he said he was sorry? I ask you, is that what we teach our children, that it's OK to do the wrong thing as long as we say we're sorry? It is one thing to disagree with someone, but it is wrong to inject bias by attacking a person's race, beliefs or ethnicity, especially by a public official. The defense of Mr. LoGiudice's words by the fire commissioners is a blessing for racism and hatred — they do not grasp the serious nature of the offense.

Bravery is facing one's own misdeeds and expressing remorse, and making the effort to learn how such hurtful words have led over the centuries to great harm for millions of innocent people. It is not bravery to hide behind an attorney or a spouse to justify what is unjustifiable behavior toward any living being. Too often, hurtful words represent prejudice and bias that demonize and diminish the rights of other humans. Sometimes, the results are violence and genocide.

The Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center teaches the next generation of students to be "upstanders" who can identify and respond to the type of behaviors that promote prejudice and violence. It is the "upstanders" who don't just stand by and let the bullies take over.

In the spirit of his apology, it is time for Chief LoGiudice to stand up publicly and tell his followers in the blogosphere that their stream of anti-Semitic rants and Holocaust denial are wrong and unacceptable. It is time for him to put out this fire of hate and ignorance.

The writer is executive director of the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center.